Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Pass The Popcorn
« Full Frontal By MSM On Republicans in State Senate | Main | Beshear Thy Name Is Cronyism »First we got to witness the epic meltdown of the Democratic party during the nomination fight between Clinton and Obama. Identity politics at its best. Now it looks like we get to witness more Democratic intra-party battles in the state legislature.
Rep. Joni Jenkins of Shively announced she'll challenge one of those leaders -- Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark of Louisville --for his position in January.
Adding to the political intrigue, House Speaker Jody Richards took the rare step of publicly endorsing in an internal party leadership race by picking Jenkins over Clark, who has served in the leadership team with Richards for the last 14 years.
"I plan to support Rep. Jenkins," Richards said in an interview with the Herald-Leader. "I think we need a more cohesive leadership. This is an unusual situation and a situation where we need to be cohesive. That's why I'm taking this unusual step."
I think Comrade Richards might have a bit of a control problem. First he replaces Dottie Sims from her committee after she votes the wrong way. And now he is trying to replace leadership that didn't toe his line. It is amusing watching Comrade Richards trying unsuccessfully to line up votes for his leadership.
Many Democrats interviewed Thursday said they aren't likely to make public their picks in leadership races until they know all the candidates -- and specifically whether former Democratic Floor Leader Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg will run for a position.
"I don't know what Stumbo is going to do," said Rep. Don Pasley, D-Winchester. "The only thing he said to me is keep my powder dry. That was a couple weeks ago."
Of course after the last disastrous session, I don't blame them. Of course throwing Stumbo into the mix sets this up to be an amusing bloodbath. It will be interesting to see what position Stumbo wants for himself. I imagine it won't coincide with what Comrade Richards wants. And that is when the real bloodshed will begin. It will be fun to watch the battle play out in the coming months.
